The Victory Day celebrations were held at Fort William in Kolkata. The leader of the Bangladesh delegation said, “We are grateful for the support and military support that the Indian Army and the Indian people gave us during the great liberation war of Bangladesh.” ”
Victory Day celebrations are held at Fort William on December 16 every year. On this day, 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh. The main event of Victory Day in India is held at Fort William. The sponsor is the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. Several Indian Army officers who fought in 1971 were also present on the occasion.
Every time, delegations from Bangladesh attend the event. This time also 17 delegations from Bangladesh have come. There are freedom fighters, their families and former army officers. The delegation was led by Brigadier General Aminur Rahman. The Bangladesh delegation also paid homage to the martyrs by placing a wreath at the Victory Memorial.
“We are grateful to the Indian Army and the Indian people for their support and support to us during the great liberation war of Bangladesh,” Aminur Rahman told reporters. The friendships that have been formed are sure to last a lifetime. ”
Retired Indian Lieutenant General Utpal Bhattacharya attended the Victory Day celebrations. He was in Dhaka on 16 December 1971. He told DW, “The army reached Dhaka from India from three sides. We went from Agartala in Tripura to Dhaka via Ganganagar, Akhaura, Brahmanberia, Asuganj, Bhairab Bazar, Narayanganj. ”
Utpal Bhattacharya added, “We had to cross three rivers. Titas, Meghna and Shitalakhya. Wherever you go from India, at least three rivers will fall to Dhaka. We wanted to reach Dhaka quickly and that’s what happened. It does not always mean that you have to defeat the enemy army in this way. They have to pass. As a result, when they realize that we are in front of them and behind them, they panic. ”
About the event at Fort William on Monday, he said, “Another time a big delegation came from Bangladesh. This time a smaller delegation came. The Indian foreign secretary requested to send a delegation to Dhaka. This time eight freedom fighters and their family members came and there were also two army officers. ”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the martyrs by laying a floral tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.